When it comes to cleaning your vehicle there is a love/hate relation. You either love your car as a pastime and it’s your passion and your pride and joy, or you dread the thought of having to clean the floor mat, and believe that it will decay wherever it’s placed. This article will provide some helpful tips for the car enthusiast who wants to keep your car’s exterior in a manner that is professional.
Are there any general rules I can follow?
Yes. If you’re part of the group of car enthusiasts and washing your car is like chicken soup to your heart then there are certain things to consider. Cleaning your car is fun and easy, and regular washing can help a fresh paint job maintain its shine. While it’s as easy washing your car can seem, there are points to keep an eye on to ensure that you don’t scratch or damage the paint. Below are some simple car-washing techniques.
- Shade can be your best friend. Your vehicle’s surface must be cool. If your car is heated the soap suds may dry too quickly, leaving stains on the car’s surface and needing another wash. Washing your car is fun beyond having it done once on your day off.
- Pre-soak. Make sure your vehicle is pre-soaked to eliminate dirt, bugs and other heavy contaminants such as water bottles, rocks, McDonald’s wrappers, and bunny remains.
- Douse mild liquid is the best car wash soap and an easy car wash mitt or a different towel that is that is designed to preserve the shine of your paint. It is important to renew your water on a regular basis.
- Patience young Jedi. It is common to just soap the entire vehicle and go to work. Negative ghost riders is to wash a small portion at a time and then wash it off. Start by cleaning the roof of the car, and then work your way to the hood and rear. It is logical to do this top-down, instead of creating more work for yourself.Next you should cleanse the upper quarter panel before moving to the lower sections including the rocker panel. Lower areas of your vehicle is always stuffed with additional “stuff” on it and the longer pre-soak you use as you move down will eliminate the sludge. The sequence of top to bottom is important as you risk tiny pieces of debris stick to the sponge or mitt, which could cause scratches to your vehicle.
- Take your hands off of the hose! This is one of the most difficult tips because it’s a diligence obligation. Everyone wants to place the cloth or mitt back into the water and wash it in order to soak up the soapy water. T his is bad! Always rinse your sponge or your mitt before returning it to the bucket to wash it to clean. Begin with clean water and finish with fresh water. The act of dipping your dirty mitt in the bucket will help you rub the dirt on your car. If you’ve ever thought about why your car’s streaking even when you’re washing it, this is the answer.
- Rinse, rinse, rinse. Clean your car thoroughly and all over. If you are happy and feel that you’re finished, you can go on and rinse it a second time.
- Rims as well as tires. Your car washing drawer should include a couple of different gloves and cloths inside it. We highly recommend using a different one to wash your wheels and tires of your vehicle, and a different one for the body. Using a different mitt specifically for the wheels can reduce the likelihood that you’ll scratch your car’s paint by rubbing it with brake dust and dirt that you collect from the wheels. You’ll be amazed at that many people are using similar water, and mitts to wash and rinse everything. It’s possible to take a drive towards the car body repair shop after you’re finished.
- Wheels. They are your greatest joy and pleasure. Be cautious when cleaning your wheels, particularly when you’re using a Spray-on cleaner for your wheels. Wheels can get extremely hot when the vehicle is just being driven or is sitting in the sunlight. If you spray cleaning chemicals onto metallic surfaces, chemical are likely to evaporate and you’ll eventually breathe the fumes. This is not a good idea for your health and, depending on the temperature and chemical, you may result in damage to items like Chrome and specific coatings.
- DO NOT purchase the expensive automotive cleaners. Instead, choose the mild liquid soap that’s dilute. This will accomplish all the tasks you needto do, like cleaning grease, dirt and film without harming plastics or other substances. There are many people who use household soaps, but you should be aware to avoid using a harsh detergent. Choose mild soaps, and, if you can, find one which is safe for your car. The major advantage is that it’ll cost less than the highly-priced auto detailing products.
- The process of drying. Dry your vehicle promptly to prevent the formation of water spots. Chamois is very effective and will allow you to move swiftly through a car with sun shining on it.
What happens next after I wash my vehicle?
It is recommended to follow the wash procedure by applying wax and washing the windows outside and inside. Applying wax on your vehicle is similar to applying sunscreen on your skin. It offers protection against UV radiations, which can cause fade and also anything that could be absorbed by the paint.
It will allow you to keep your high-gloss finish for a greater period of time. There are waxes available in either a carnauba or a polymer form. Both kinds of wax work similar functions, however polymer wax doesn’t be hazy when it is dried and is usually wiped off immediately after applying. The choice between the carnauba wax or the polymer is comparable to selecting regular or synthetic engine oil. Polymer wax is more costly, but it is also simpler to apply and is more effective.
For glass The rules for glass are quite easy. Avoid the thing you’re most likely to do which is get Windex and other glass cleaners. They could contain ammonia that can harm your car’s tint. Make sure you use your best car window cleaner to achieve the best results. Make sure you clean the window twice to ensure the cleaner has been completely removed. In the event of a crisis you could apply diluted white vinegar solution, as it’s an organic, low-cost cleanser for your home which should not leave any streaks.
Final thoughts and suggestions…
Don’t… move your sponge or mitt in circles. This could result in light visible scratches, known as swirl marks. Instead, drag the sponge lengthwise over the body’s hood and other panels. If your sponge is dropped clean it well. Never apply a sponge that has fallen to the ground or sunk into the polluted water. It is a good idea to clean out your bucket.
Maintain your shine. If you’re about to fall asleep at night due to the thought of taking your freshly waxed vehicle out to go on an errand, or (God forbid!) take it to work you might be tempted to keep some tools in your garage to keep up the shine. There are a variety of spray mists that are designed to eliminate everyday particles and keep your wax at its best. Put this along with a microfiber cloth in your trunk and you’re ready.
